The Hood River County Sheriff’s Office scaled back the search on Mt. Hood for a missing skier and is now considering it a recovery mission.  Sheriff’s Sergeant Pete Hughes says the decision was made after searchers on Saturday once again could find no sign of Steve Leavitt, and after consulting with search teams and an expert physician concluded Leavitt could not have survived in the weather conditions with the gear he had.  The 57-year-old man from The Dalles was reported missing on Tuesday evening by his family.  Leavitt was last seen earlier that day when his ski pass was scanned at Mt. Hood Meadows’ Heather Chair Lift.  Meadows had received five-and-a-half feet of powder snow in the five prior days, which can create hazardous conditions such as tree wells and hidden creek holes.  Hughes added the area in which Leavitt went missing is double black diamond and recommended for expert skiers only.  Leavitt was very familiar with that area and was an avid skier.  The search to find Leavitt will continue in limited capacity and as danger levels allow.